The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-05-04
In The REALM OF SCIENCE.
BY =. Nj. JELLEN.

Like many other young women, not yet
out of their teens, was, through financial
misfortune, thrown upos my own resources
for livelihood. BY dint of steady piac-
tice / mastered stenography, became pro-
fcient typewriter, and subsequently Sc
cured lucrative position as private secre-
tary TO MIR. Banks, senior partner of Banks,
Price Il Co., publishers.
Last summer, during the fine weather,
i found it pleasanter to walk home, instead
of riding in the crowded street cars, and
usually at five o'clock / donned my hat and
gloves and started on my little journey
My attention was directed to a gentleman
of clerical appearance whom l frequently
met at a certain corner. TALL of fine form
and pleasing address, he was noticeable
among the stream of commonplace hui
manity one meets upon city thorough
fare.
AS the days wore on, the constant meet
ing with this stranger became matter of
course, and ceased to wonder at it; and,
in truth, so familiar was his face that l
experienced sense of disappointment
when, occasionally, failed to meet him.
He was some professional man, l thought.
whose business hours were over about the
time mine were, and our ways were oppo-
site.
One day our eyes met, and / was startled
at the peculiar brilliancy of his. They were
blue, shaded by heavy, white lashes, and a
curious, lambert, tiny flame seemed to
scintilate in them. He seemed to regard
me with pleasure, for light smile lighted
up his intellectual features, yet his man
ner was so respectful that did not resent
the liberty, and went on my way with q
vague wish to form his acquaintance.
Two weeks later, while busy with my
type writer, my silent acquaintance was
0shered into Mr.. Banks office. His name
was Robert Sutherland, and his business
with my employer concerned the publica
lion of ponderous manuscript upon nerv-
Gus diseases and their connection with in
sanity. In low, we'll bred voice he car
ried on a rapid conversation, displaying
profound knowledge of medicine and deep
research in the mysteries of human all
ments. Apparently engrossed III my work,
paid strict attention TO the conversation,
and happening to look up l found him
gazing at me. Again the queer expression
of his eyes arrested my attention. He
smiled distantly, and slightly inclined his
head in deferential salute. In a few min
utes the interview was ended, and he de-
parted.
In few days he had further business
with Mr.. Banks, and an introduction fol-
lowed, as portions of his manuscript were
TO be put through my type writer, as Mr..
Sutherland revised it. / found him cour-
teous and pleasant, and as l progressed
with the work we became quite friendly.
Upon examining roll of closely written
sheets, found an envelope addressed to
me. It read as follows:
Miss ORA OLNEY-Pardon my seeming for
wardness in thus coming to you, but l can
think of no other agreeable method of ap-
proach earnestly wish for a better acquaint-
ance, and with the desire to obtain SUCH also
Co afford you some diversion, will you do me
the honor TO take park drive, tomorrow
. evening, with yours sincerely, etc?
ROBERT SUTHERLAND.
My surprise was unbounded. After
thinking the matter over decided to ac-
cept his invitation. He met me at the street
door OF the Office, and for two hours l was
we'll entertained. The park was In full
foliage, the air was balmy and pleasant,
and when he lifted me to the pavement, at
home, / thanked him cordially for the
pleasure had enjoyed.
After his departure / remembered that
mis- eyes seemed to glitter whenever our
arms came in contact, or our hands acct
dentally touched. Deeming it OF little mo-
ment, dismissed the thought from my
mind.
The drive was followed by request to
go with him to see Mary Anderson, in
~Pygmalion and Galatea." Evening fell
with storm of wind and rain. He came
IN his coupe, and within its closed doors
we were secure from the boisterous ele-
ments. Suddenly / discovered that we
were again in the park!
turned to my companion in alarm and
asked:
why have you driven so far out of the
way?"
Il thought it would be more pleasant
within the gloomy shadows of the park,
he replied, quietly.
At that instant his face was illumined
by an electric light, and 1 saw his eyes
CLEAN and glitter as if they were huge
diamonds. My heart stood still in horror.
An insidious fear crept through my veins,
and a mad impulse prompted me to fling
open the glass doors OF the coupe and leap
to the ground. AS though he OWNED my
thoughts, he said:
keep your seat. 1t is wet and muddy,
and, besides, we are far from the park en-
trance"
"Mr. Sutherland" replied, summonine
ell my courage, and speaking with as much
decision as possible, you will do me the
favor TO leave the park at once and drive tc
"Drive you homel Ha, hal That is fan
from my intentions. MISS Ora, can you
imagine why have brought you here to-
night"
1t flashed upon me that he was insane
The curious appearance of his eyes was
nothing more or less than an indication OF
madness, and with all the proverbial cum
ming of chaotic brain he had planned
some horrible deed, and selected me as his
victim. What should / do? My danger
was imminent, and must act instantly.
Certainly do not, sir; but il seems Il
me this portion of the park is too dark t.
drive i'm without danger of overturning on
conveyance; don't You think sop'
perhaps il is, so l will turn to the drive
further TO the left, said he.
The rain began to fall faster and thu
wind blew in wilder gusts. Occssiona
flashes of lightning added painful item
to INV surroundings, but they enabled m
20 see that we were now on drive which
led to the main entrance of the park.